Featured Image Marco Schwarz/ GEPA
Schwarz Sets the Standard in Alta Badia Run 1
Marco Schwarz made the most of bib 1 in Run 1 of the Alta Badia Gran Risa giant slalom, setting the benchmark with a composed and efficient performance from top to bottom.
Starting with bib 1, Schwarz skied with confidence and precision, staying clean and smooth throughout the demanding hill. While many of his competitors struggled to maintain consistent snow contact the whole way, Schwarz kept his skis connected to the snow, managing pressure effectively and minimizing unnecessary movement. His efficiency stood out on a course where small mistakes quickly added up.
Schwarz’s controlled yet aggressive approach allowed him to build speed without forcing the turns. He came out of the gate fully committed, carrying momentum from top to bottom. Many of the other fastest racers, who thought they were skiing fast, were shocked when they crossed the finish line. But when they review the video between runs, it will be clear that some either over-skied the course or hesitated, waiting for the gates to come to them instead of attacking fully and skiing clean. Schwarz crossed the finish line with a commanding advantage, leading the field by a staggering 0.64 seconds over River Radamus (USA), who sits second after a strong and aggressive run of his own.
Schwarz’s early statement puts him firmly in control heading into Run 2 on one of the World Cup’s most demanding giant slalom tracks.
Chasing with Confidence: Radamus and Brennsteiner After Run 1
In second place, River Radamus (USA) delivered a confident and determined run from the very start. He carried his pace all the way down the Gran Risa, a course where tricky flat light challenged many in the field. Despite the difficult lighting that is known at Alta Badia, Radamus clearly trusted his coach’s set, finding rhythm early and skiing with freedom. He did an excellent job of staying connected to the snow, showcasing efficient, flowing skiing throughout the demanding course, and finished 0.64 seconds behind Marco Schwarz.
“The conditions are what you dream of,” Radamus said. “It was set by American coach Nate Bryant, so I felt comfortable. Every time you come to Alta Badia, you need to pay respect to the hill. I try to lay it all out there and it’s a good run. For the next one, I’m just going to ski my race, push hard, and leave it all out there.” – River Radamus
Sitting in third, Stefan Brennsteiner (AUT) continued his impressive run of consistency this season. With top-five finishes in every start so far, Brennsteiner once again demonstrated his strong, confident skiing. While he may have given the course a bit too much respect in places, he maintained solid speed from top to bottom and remains firmly in contention, finishing 0.67 seconds back after Run 1.
When Simple Tricks the Best: Shock in Alta Badia Run 1
The first run set by American coach Nate Bryant featured great natural flow, but its simplicity proved deceptive. With longer distances between the gates, many of the top racers struggled to understand what to do between turns, often not skiing cleanly at the top of the turn and unable to generate speed without forcing the skiing. On a track often referred to as the holy grail of giant slalom, where there is significant time to be made between turns, the rhythm caught several favorites off guard.
The surprise was evident at the finish, as some of the sport’s top giant slalom stars were stunned by the gaps to Marco Schwarz’s standout Run 1. Marco Odermatt ended up 1.51 seconds back in a shocking 11th place, while Henrik Kristoffersen sits 12th, 1.52 seconds behind, both visibly taken aback by the unexpected margin.
Usually, the Gran Risa is dark, icy, and bumpy, but this year the snow provided excellent feedback, described by coaches as “like butter.” Throughout the run, radio course reports repeated the same message. The course was easy from start to bottom, and the grip allowed skis to respond perfectly, making it clear that trying harder was not the solution, a classic ski racing mistake. The three gates after the delay demanded commitment and acceleration and rewarded those willing to go after it.
Heading into Run 2, many athletes will be searching for time, studying video between runs and adjusting their approach to clean up their skiing. With so many top contenders surprised by the first run gaps, the stage is set for a revenge second run on one of the World Cup’s most iconic tracks.
Radamus and Gile Impress in Alta Badia Run 1
River Radamus skied with confidence, carrying his speed from top to bottom and demonstrating why he is a rising contender on the World Cup circuit. The last time Radamus stood on the podium was February 24, 2024, at Palisades Tahoe, highlighting just how significant this result could be for him. Bridger Gile was equally impressive, starting from bib 46 and climbing all the way to 13th position, a performance that highlighted both skill and mental focus.
“Our coach was up at the start and told us the course was a little more open than normal,” Gile said. “He just let us know we could attack it and we’d be fine, which was a huge help. My plan for Run 2 is the same—charge as hard as I can. This is an amazing hill, and you have to respect it but also really go for it.”- Bridger Gile
This run also showcased the importance of course setting and coaching. While not every racer benefits from their coach’s plan, Nate Bryant clearly understood his assignment, and the men he coaches executed it to perfection. Bridger now heads into Run 2 in a strong position, able to ski with confidence and momentum as he looks to gain more time on the demanding Gran Risa. Radamus is also chasing history: the last time a U.S. male won a World Cup race was Tommy Ford in Beaver Creek on December 8, 2019.
High Bibs Break Through (Bibs 31 and Higher)
Some of the most impressive skiing came from racers starting with bibs 31 and higher, who managed to climb into the top 30 and secure spots for Run 2. The excellent snow conditions, described as smooth with great grip and feedback, allowed these higher-bib athletes to ski aggressively and freely, without having to battle deteriorating course conditions that often challenge later starters. Their performances underscore just how much the “butter-like” snow rewarded confident, flowing skiing on the Gran Risa.
High-Bib Qualifiers Point List
- 46 — Bridger Gile (USA) — 13th-fastest first run, +1.62
- 53– Loevan Parand (FRA)— 14th-fastest, +1.64
- 34 — Eirik Hystad Solberg (NOR) — 16th-fastest, +1.85
- 42 — Fabian Ax Swartz (SWE) — 21st-fastest, +2.06
- 49 — Aleix Aubert Serracanta (ESP) — 27th-fastest, +2.42
- 57 — Tobias Kastlunger (ITA) — 30th-fastest, +2.63
Second Run Setup
With the lead in hand, Marco Schwarz will aim to stay calm and ski as cleanly as he did in Run 1. His coach, Auderer Wolfgang , will be setting the second run, and hopes are high that he understands the assignment, with two of his athletes sitting on the podium after the first run.
Meanwhile, many in the field who were shocked by the first run gaps will be looking to attack and move up, making Run 2 a high-stakes battle for positions on one of the World Cup’s most demanding giant slalom tracks.
First Run Top 30
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Run Analysis: Leaders & Qualified North Americans
About the Author: Katie Twible
